Civil Discourse

CIVIL DISCOURSE

ABOUT US

Committee co-chairs
Bob Barrett & Ken Graham

CIVIL DISCOURSE is defined as a conversation in which there is a mutual airing of views without rancor. It is intended to promote greater understanding and engagement.

Our Objective: To develop programs and services that improve and advance constructive engagement across political divides (i.e., civil discourse). If we as citizens cannot talk with each other robustly and constructively, we cannot govern ourselves as a nation. Strengthening the institutions of democracy through effective communications are closely interconnected with the values expressed in the philosophies of Rotary’s Four-Way Test, Rotary International, and help accomplish the Objects of Rotary.

Monthly Committee Meeting: 3rd Wednesday of each month, by Zoom 8:30-9:30 AM

WHAT WE DO

  • Host Joyce and Kenneth Kaufman Dinners (or Zoom sessions) – Group Discussions
  • Rotary International Keynote presentations
    – October 2017 – John Hewko – The time for Civil Discourse is Now!
    – Fall 2021
  • “Forum-type” sessions via Zoom 6 or 7 PM – 7:30 or 8:30 PM
  • “Weekly program speakers” via Zoom 8 AM- 8:30 AM – monthly
  • Informal “Ombudsman” service for club
  • Speakers bureau / panelists available to other clubs, outside organizations
  • President Elect Training Session (PETS) – training module for incoming Rotary Club Presidents
  • Web postings to website – (links to articles, organizations, videos)

Left to right – John Hewko, Rotary International general secretary and chief executive officer & Kenneth Kaufman, Founder of Palo Alto University Rotary Club (PAUR)

WHO BENEFITS?

The PAUR Civil Discourse Committee forms a study and resource forum that benefits PAUR, other rotary clubs, our community, Rotary International ambition to improve world peace and understanding. Likewise we expect that developing greater skills toward human understanding, bridging to enhance relationships, and encouraging respectful exchange of ideas will lead to betterment of our communities, nations, and democracy.

WHY IS THERE A NEED?

The Civil Discourse Committee was founded by the PAUR emeriti in 2016 as a way of contributing to addressing a significant national and local problem: increasing political polarization. It was the inaugural project of PAUR’s emeriti, a small group of retired PAUR members, which could benefit the club and local communities, as well as the United States and Rotary International.

RESOURCES

Rotary International: The Four-Way Test, Avenues of Service, and Objects of Rotary
Declaration of Independence, Jefferson
The Federalist Papers
United State Constitution
Gettysburg Address
Tyranny
How Civility Works, Keith J. Bybee

ORGANIZATION WE SUPPORT

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